Fomites: A-to-Z Guide

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Cooties, Cutting boards, Germs, Hairbrushes, Tissues

Introduction:

It is easier to catch a cold by borrowing a crayon or by turning off a faucet after washing your hands than by kissing on the lips. Why? Crayons, faucet handles, toothbrushes, telephones, and toys can be fomites!

Toys in a daycare or in a doctor’s waiting room may have been handled (or mouthed) by contagious kids. Cutting boards and kitchen sponges may teem with bacteria from the uncooked food they have touched. Kids’ toothbrushes in the same drawer or cup may be the way that colds spread through the family.

Germs commonly live on fomites for minutes or hours or sometimes even longer. The most likely fomites are objects that frequently come into contact with uncooked food, toileting or diapering activities, dirt, or the bodies of living creatures (especially if the objects are moist or are stored in a dark place). Tissues, diapers, hairbrushes, forks, and spoons are common fomites. Dry, impersonal objects, such as walls, light fixtures, or door frames, are less likely to spread infection.

How can it be prevented?

Fomites are an opportunity to interrupt the spread of infection. By recognizing them, avoiding them, disinfecting them, or cleansing the hands after touching them, the spread of many infections can be halted.

Dr. Greene is the founder of DrGreene.com (cited by the AMA as “the pioneer physician Web site”), a practicing pediatrician, father of four, & author of Raising Baby Green & Feeding Baby Green. He appears frequently in the media including such venues as the The New York Times, the TODAY Show, Good Morning America, & the Dr. Oz Show.

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